Hello, Clemmonsdogparkers, and welcome back. This spring the SAT underwent a lot of changes. The essay became optional. 1600 was once again the highest score possible. Last, but not least, the College Board promised that questions would more closely reflect what high school students like yourself were learning in school.

The spring testing session has come and gone, and more importantly, the scores are out! In this article, we’ll take a look at the data, and let you know what it means for someone studying to take (or retake) the SAT.

The Numbers

After doing my research (so you don’t have to), I’ve discovered the biggest piece of information you need to know about new SAT scores. Let’s check it out.

Let’s say, for example, you took the old SAT in December 2015. Then you took the new SAT in March 2016. Between the two tests, you didn’t study one bit. Yet to your surprise, your score went up when you took the new SAT!

Before you start patting yourself on the back, here’s what really happened. Your higher score had little to do with your intelligence/college potential/test taking skills/etc. Here in lies the truth about new SAT scores. Due to a change in the scoring system, scores from the two versions of the SAT are not equivalent. In other words, a 1500 on the new SAT is worth a little less than a 1500 on the old SAT (not counting the old writing section).

Sorry to bum you out.

What the Numbers Mean for You

First of all, there’s an easy way to see how your new SAT scores stack up against the old version. The College Board has released You can bet, too, that college admissions offices all around the country are using this converter as well. After all, they’re making big decisions about what SAT scores are now ‘acceptable.’ If they haven’t done so already, expect to see them post new ‘suggested’ SAT scores on their admissions websites in the near future.

Don’t forget about scholarships, especially merit scholarships all around the country. They, too, are paying close attention to how the new scores compare to the old scores. For some of you, changing scholarship requirements in regards to SAT scores may mean that you are no longer eligible. My advice: Keep checking those websites for updates!

Final Thoughts About the New SAT Scores Released

Though figuring out what the new SAT scores ‘mean’ is a bit like reading tea leaves, it won’t be this way for long. Pretty soon all colleges and scholarships will have updated their information concerning SAT scores. This confusing time will be a mere memory. Until then, stay focused on your SAT study schedule. Till next time, Clemmonsdogparkers.

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About Thomas Broderick

Thomas spent four years teaching high school English, social studies, and ACT preparation in Middle Tennessee. Now living in Northern California, he is excited to share his knowledge and experience with Clemmonsdogpark's readers. In his spare time Thomas enjoys writing short fiction and hiking in the Sonoma foothills.

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